Barbara Nancy Buck Pyne died peacefully in her sleep at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 101 years, 9 months and 25 days.  In her own words, ” I have had a wonderful life”.  She was right.  Known as “Princess” for more than 75 years, she lived up to that name.  Her style in decorating, which she described as “cold, hard and chic”, even included a fabric she launched when she was 88 years old, “Pyne Hollyhock”.  Her carefully curated jewelry, hats and colorful outfits, which were renowned, were neither cold nor hard but certainly chic.  Princess was an “Event” wherever she went.

A native of Far Hills, New Jersey her entire life, she was the eldest daughter of Leonard and Helen Buck.  She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, John W. Pyne; and her brother, Charles Austin Buck.

She is survived by her sister, Martha Bartlett; her son, M. Taylor Pyne (Elsie); her daughter, Holly Pyne Connor; 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Fearless, adventuresome and creative, she rode a camel in the Sahara at 90 and still drove her car at 95, much to the discomfort of her family.  She was devoted to her many friends of many generations.  As an extraordinary fundraiser, who was a force in the community, she led numerous successful charity events for the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, the New Jersey Historical Society, The Newark Museum, and the Leonard J. Buck Garden, which was her favorite, as it was created by her father.

Donations in her name should be directed to the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ  07931.  A memorial service is planned for the spring, her favorite time of the year.  Arrangement are by Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster.